Fijian PM meets senior Chinese military official, praises ties

Fijian Prime Minister and Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama (L) meets with Wang Guanzhong, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, in the Fijian town of Nadi, Aug. 28, 2013. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama on Wednesday met Wang Guanzhong and praised the military ties between the two countries. (Xinhua/Gu Wei)

Fijian Prime Minister (PM) and Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama on Wednesday met Wang Guanzhong, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army ( PLA), and praised the military ties between the two countries.

While meeting Wang in the Fijian town of Nadi, Bainimarama said his visit is a significant event for the ties between the RFMF and the PLA, which is to the benefit of enhancing mutual understanding and friendship, as well as promoting the further development of military ties between the two countries.

Fiji highly recognizes China's adhering to its path of peaceful development and significant achievements in economic and social development, as well as the key contribution China has made to peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and the world, Bainimarama said, adding that the South Pacific country is willing to make concerted efforts with China in promoting bilateral ties.

China and Fiji enjoy deep traditional friendship and have been witnessing fruitful pragmatic cooperation in all sectors between the two countries, Wang said, adding that the Chinese side respects the path of development chosen by the Fijian people, and is willing to boost the friendly ties between the PLA and the RFMF, deepen pragmatic cooperation, in a bid to make fresh efforts in developing bilateral ties.

Prior to the meeting with Bainimarama, Wang met with Fijian Minister for Defence Joketani Cokanasiga and Aziz Mohammed, RFMF's chief of staff.